Traffic Congestion, London

To ask the Secretary of State for Transport if he will take steps to investigate the proportion of traffic congestion in London which could be reduced by(a) improved co-ordination of road works, and (b) better supervision of construction sites, (c) more effective traffic signal operation and maintenance, (d) faster reaction to breakdowns and (e) other measures.

In 1993, the Transport Research Laboratory investigated the causes of traffic hold-ups in London using the "congestion file" maintained by the Metropolitan police. I am sending the hon. Member a copy of its report, "The frequency and importance of incidents which cause congestion in urban areas", TRL contractor report 342.